Sikorsky CH-53
| CH-53 Sea Stallion | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| A pair of CH-53D Sea Stallions approach a landing zone in Hawaii, 2004. | |
| Role | Heavy-lift cargo helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Sikorsky Aircraft |
| First flight | YCH-53: 14 October 1964 |
| Introduction | 1966 |
| Retired | 2012 (U.S.) |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users |
United States Marine Corps (historical) German Army Israeli Air Force Mexican Air Force |
| Produced | 1964–1978 |
| Variants | HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant"/MH-53 Pave Low |
| Developed into | Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion |
The CH-53 Sea Stallion is the most common name for the Sikorsky S-65 family of heavy-lift transport helicopters. Originally developed for use by the United States Marine Corps, it is in service with Germany, Iran, Israel, and Mexico. The United States Air Force operated the HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" during the late– and post–Vietnam-War era, updating most of them as the MH-53 Pave Low.
The dimensionally-similar CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavier-lifting, improved version designated S-80E by Sikorsky. Its third engine makes it more powerful than the Sea Stallion, which it has replaced in the heavy-lift mission.
In 1960, the United States Marine Corps began to seek a replacement for their HR2S piston-powered helicopters. On 27 January 1961, the Marine Corps began working with the other three U.S. armed services on the "Tri-Service VTOL transport", which would eventually emerge as the Vought-Hiller-Ryan XC-142A tiltwing. The design became more elaborate and the program stretched out, causing the Marines to drop out when they decided they would not receive a working machine in a satisfactory timeframe. In the end, the XC-142A, although a very innovative and capable machine, never entered production.
In March 1962, the United States Navy's Bureau of Naval Weapons, acting on behalf of the Marines, issued a request for a "Heavy Helicopter Experimental / HH(X)". The specifications dictated a load capability of 8,000 pounds (3,600 kg) with an operational radius of 100 nautical miles (190 km; 120 mi) at a speed of 150 knots (280 km/h; 170 mph). The HH(X) was to be used in the assault transport, aircraft recovery, personnel transport, and medical evacuation roles. In the assault transport role, it was to be mostly used to haul heavy equipment instead of troops.
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